Marc Wambolt's Blog, page 3
February 19, 2015
MARC'S MEMOS
2-19-15
Times flies and I realize again that it has been a long time since my last post. My subject matters usually follows poems, family or travel. Because spring and summer travel is just around the corner, I start thinking about planning a trip. In fact, I have already made reservations to go to Napa Valley in California.
I am traveling this time with my son and daughter-in-law to visit the wine country. I made a similar trip quite a few years ago and am getting a chance to spend just a few days there at a different time of the year.
I am still trying to decide where I might travel this summer, and as you know, the early bird gets the worm (and the deals!) So decisions should be made soon. I love to travel, but it can be expensive so I try to make the best of my resources.
Sometimes it is not important that you go to far away or exotic places, it is the idea that you are in a different city or environment. A change of pace or climate may even be the objective. I just love to travel.
A quote by author Robert Louis Stevenson reads:
"I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel's sake. The great affair is to move."
To put it in GoodReads terms, here is another quote:
"The world is a book, and those who do not travel, read only one page." - Saint Augustine
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
Times flies and I realize again that it has been a long time since my last post. My subject matters usually follows poems, family or travel. Because spring and summer travel is just around the corner, I start thinking about planning a trip. In fact, I have already made reservations to go to Napa Valley in California.
I am traveling this time with my son and daughter-in-law to visit the wine country. I made a similar trip quite a few years ago and am getting a chance to spend just a few days there at a different time of the year.
I am still trying to decide where I might travel this summer, and as you know, the early bird gets the worm (and the deals!) So decisions should be made soon. I love to travel, but it can be expensive so I try to make the best of my resources.
Sometimes it is not important that you go to far away or exotic places, it is the idea that you are in a different city or environment. A change of pace or climate may even be the objective. I just love to travel.
A quote by author Robert Louis Stevenson reads:
"I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel's sake. The great affair is to move."
To put it in GoodReads terms, here is another quote:
"The world is a book, and those who do not travel, read only one page." - Saint Augustine
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
January 8, 2015
MARC'S MEMOS
1-8-15
2015 is here and I am wondering what the new year may hold for us all. Unfortunately, we are already facing some terrible news in the world that reminds us just how fragile life can be.
I choose to focus on positive things and assume that the systems we have in place such as law enforcement and the military will keep us safe. I admit, it may be easier for me to do so due to where I live and the fact that I have not experienced any real tragedies directly.
My desire is that the rest of the year will bring hope and reason to believe that things will get better. I know that I am fortunate and wish everyone would be able to enjoy a good life.
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
2015 is here and I am wondering what the new year may hold for us all. Unfortunately, we are already facing some terrible news in the world that reminds us just how fragile life can be.
I choose to focus on positive things and assume that the systems we have in place such as law enforcement and the military will keep us safe. I admit, it may be easier for me to do so due to where I live and the fact that I have not experienced any real tragedies directly.
My desire is that the rest of the year will bring hope and reason to believe that things will get better. I know that I am fortunate and wish everyone would be able to enjoy a good life.
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
August 19, 2014
MARC'S MEMOS
8-19-14
It never fails. It seems that when I am searching for a certain item, I don't always find what I am looking for, but come across something I don't remember saving. It is usually junk, but this time I found an anonymous proverb of sorts. I think it is worthy of passing it along. Here it is.
CHILDREN LEARN WHAT THEY LIVE
IF a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn.
IF a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight.
IF a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy.
IF a child lives with shame, he learns to feel guilty.
BUT
IF a child lives with tolerance, he learns to be
PATIENT.
IF a child lives with encouragement, he learns
CONFIDENCE.
IF a child lives with praise, he learns to
APPRECIATE.
IF a child lives with fairness, he learns
JUSTICE.
IF a child lives with security, he learns to have
FAITH.
IF a child lives with approval, he learns to
LIKE HIMSELF.
IF a child lives with acceptance and friendship
HE LEARNS TO FIND LOVE IN THE WORLD.
Children are our future and I hope they all get the chance to grow up with
TOLERANCE, ENCOURAGEMENT, PRAISE, FAIRNESS, SECURITY and to
FIND LOVE IN THE WORLD.
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
It never fails. It seems that when I am searching for a certain item, I don't always find what I am looking for, but come across something I don't remember saving. It is usually junk, but this time I found an anonymous proverb of sorts. I think it is worthy of passing it along. Here it is.
CHILDREN LEARN WHAT THEY LIVE
IF a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn.
IF a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight.
IF a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy.
IF a child lives with shame, he learns to feel guilty.
BUT
IF a child lives with tolerance, he learns to be
PATIENT.
IF a child lives with encouragement, he learns
CONFIDENCE.
IF a child lives with praise, he learns to
APPRECIATE.
IF a child lives with fairness, he learns
JUSTICE.
IF a child lives with security, he learns to have
FAITH.
IF a child lives with approval, he learns to
LIKE HIMSELF.
IF a child lives with acceptance and friendship
HE LEARNS TO FIND LOVE IN THE WORLD.
Children are our future and I hope they all get the chance to grow up with
TOLERANCE, ENCOURAGEMENT, PRAISE, FAIRNESS, SECURITY and to
FIND LOVE IN THE WORLD.
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
June 30, 2014
MARC'S MEMOS
6-30-14
I just returned from a 14-day cruise/tour to Alaska. It was seven days on land and then a seven day cruise. We flew into Fairbanks after two connecting flights to Anchorage and then boarded a smaller prop plane for the last leg. It was a long day getting there, but it was worth it. We started with an all-you-can eat salmon bake with plenty of side dishes and my favorite, lots of choices for dessert.
The land tour included staying at lodges that were part of the Princess cruise line properties. Besides Fairbanks, the land tour visited Denali National Park. If you ever get a chance, take the tundra excursion. You will see amazing wildlife and you might get a chance to see the tallest mountain in North America. Lucky for us, we had the good fortune to see it on a glorious sunny day. It is obscured from view on many days due to its height and the weather surrounding it.
The accommodations were very impressive, but the one I liked the most was the lodge on the Kenai peninsula. The room there had a fireplace and an outside deck for a great view of the scenery. It was a magnificent week on land and we still had the cruise to look forward to.
The cruise visited the ports of Skagway, Juneau (the capital) and Ketchikan. Each port has its own unique quality and many interesting things to do. From a train ride in Skagway to the Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau and a lumberjack show in Ketchikan, just to mention a few.
The entire vacation went by way too fast. One of the amusing things to pass along was that we had plenty of daylight in which to do things. In Fairbanks, the sun didn't set until 12:30 a.m. and sunrise was 3:00 a.m. Also, when we arrived the temperature was 66 degrees and it was 106 degrees back in Phoenix.
Speaking of temperature, we were at one venue and they had a room that recreated a winter temperature of 40 below. We were in our regular clothes and it was almost instantly uncomfortable. Obviously, we didn't last long. It is unreal to think that people make their home in places that experience that kind of extreme. Although, people think the same of me living in the extreme heat of the desert. Anyway, I am already thinking of where my next adventure might take me.
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE. MARC
I just returned from a 14-day cruise/tour to Alaska. It was seven days on land and then a seven day cruise. We flew into Fairbanks after two connecting flights to Anchorage and then boarded a smaller prop plane for the last leg. It was a long day getting there, but it was worth it. We started with an all-you-can eat salmon bake with plenty of side dishes and my favorite, lots of choices for dessert.
The land tour included staying at lodges that were part of the Princess cruise line properties. Besides Fairbanks, the land tour visited Denali National Park. If you ever get a chance, take the tundra excursion. You will see amazing wildlife and you might get a chance to see the tallest mountain in North America. Lucky for us, we had the good fortune to see it on a glorious sunny day. It is obscured from view on many days due to its height and the weather surrounding it.
The accommodations were very impressive, but the one I liked the most was the lodge on the Kenai peninsula. The room there had a fireplace and an outside deck for a great view of the scenery. It was a magnificent week on land and we still had the cruise to look forward to.
The cruise visited the ports of Skagway, Juneau (the capital) and Ketchikan. Each port has its own unique quality and many interesting things to do. From a train ride in Skagway to the Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau and a lumberjack show in Ketchikan, just to mention a few.
The entire vacation went by way too fast. One of the amusing things to pass along was that we had plenty of daylight in which to do things. In Fairbanks, the sun didn't set until 12:30 a.m. and sunrise was 3:00 a.m. Also, when we arrived the temperature was 66 degrees and it was 106 degrees back in Phoenix.
Speaking of temperature, we were at one venue and they had a room that recreated a winter temperature of 40 below. We were in our regular clothes and it was almost instantly uncomfortable. Obviously, we didn't last long. It is unreal to think that people make their home in places that experience that kind of extreme. Although, people think the same of me living in the extreme heat of the desert. Anyway, I am already thinking of where my next adventure might take me.
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE. MARC
March 28, 2014
MARC'S MEMOS
3-28-14
I just returned from a seven-day cruise to the Caribbean. It was a memorable cruise for several reasons. The number one reason was that I got to spend the whole time experiencing it with my two wonderful grandchildren. They are old enough now to do fun things with them that they couldn't do when they were babies.
We visited three ports and went straight to the beach every time. First we headed to Jamaica's Red Stripe Beach. It was beautiful and of course, I had to try their Red Stripe Beer. Great combination, a nice beach chair and a cold one made it easy to relax and enjoy. Watching the kids digging in the sand and having a great time was the best!
The next port was Grand Cayman and the name of the beach was Seven Mile Beach. It too was beautiful, but when you went in the water, the rocky bottom tore up your feet. Lucky for me, I had brought along water shoes that have a hard rubber sole, but can get wet.
The last port was Cozumel, an island just off the coast of Yucatan, Mexico. This excursion took us to an all inclusive destination named Playa Mia. It was amazing! Besides the breathtaking scenery, there were a lot of activities for my grandkids.
We spent an unforgettable day in and on the water. There was an inflatable island made out the material similar to blow-up bouncers for kids parties. The thing was huge. The dimensions must have been at least 50 by 100 feet. It was anchored about a hundred yards offshore. The whole family, myself included, donned life vests (required even for grownups) and swam out to explore the unknown.
It turned out to be a great adventure for the kids. There were all kinds of things for them to climb, hang and swing on. It was exciting to see all of the colorful little fish underwater (we had goggles too) while we were swimming back to shore.
In addition to the ocean fun, there was a pool and giant waterslide that even my five-year old granddaughter was brave enough to try. It was great because I got it all on video. Sometime in the future, I hope they will have fun watching and remembering what a magical day it was!
I forgot to mention that we had great food and all the free drinks (alcoholic too) we wanted. It was all part of the deal. If you ever get the chance to go to Cozumel, I recommend Playa Mia for a great family-friendly memory.
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
I just returned from a seven-day cruise to the Caribbean. It was a memorable cruise for several reasons. The number one reason was that I got to spend the whole time experiencing it with my two wonderful grandchildren. They are old enough now to do fun things with them that they couldn't do when they were babies.
We visited three ports and went straight to the beach every time. First we headed to Jamaica's Red Stripe Beach. It was beautiful and of course, I had to try their Red Stripe Beer. Great combination, a nice beach chair and a cold one made it easy to relax and enjoy. Watching the kids digging in the sand and having a great time was the best!
The next port was Grand Cayman and the name of the beach was Seven Mile Beach. It too was beautiful, but when you went in the water, the rocky bottom tore up your feet. Lucky for me, I had brought along water shoes that have a hard rubber sole, but can get wet.
The last port was Cozumel, an island just off the coast of Yucatan, Mexico. This excursion took us to an all inclusive destination named Playa Mia. It was amazing! Besides the breathtaking scenery, there were a lot of activities for my grandkids.
We spent an unforgettable day in and on the water. There was an inflatable island made out the material similar to blow-up bouncers for kids parties. The thing was huge. The dimensions must have been at least 50 by 100 feet. It was anchored about a hundred yards offshore. The whole family, myself included, donned life vests (required even for grownups) and swam out to explore the unknown.
It turned out to be a great adventure for the kids. There were all kinds of things for them to climb, hang and swing on. It was exciting to see all of the colorful little fish underwater (we had goggles too) while we were swimming back to shore.
In addition to the ocean fun, there was a pool and giant waterslide that even my five-year old granddaughter was brave enough to try. It was great because I got it all on video. Sometime in the future, I hope they will have fun watching and remembering what a magical day it was!
I forgot to mention that we had great food and all the free drinks (alcoholic too) we wanted. It was all part of the deal. If you ever get the chance to go to Cozumel, I recommend Playa Mia for a great family-friendly memory.
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
January 9, 2014
MARC'S MEMOS
I have not posted in a very long time. Due to health problems and other issues, it was unquestionably the worst year of my life. Without going into detail, I am so glad to say good riddance to 2013 and welcome to the new year.
On a positive note, I do have two cruises planned this year. One with my grandchildren to the Caribbean and one to Alaska that includes seven days on a land tour. These exciting adventures may help me forget last year. I certainly hope so.
I realize that my situation does not come close to what many people had to deal with, but I am adopting a new credo from now on.
LIFE IS SHORT
EAT YOUR DESSERT FIRST!!!
Enjoy life and be thankful for what you have. You never know when things may go haywire.
Until next time, take care. Marc
On a positive note, I do have two cruises planned this year. One with my grandchildren to the Caribbean and one to Alaska that includes seven days on a land tour. These exciting adventures may help me forget last year. I certainly hope so.
I realize that my situation does not come close to what many people had to deal with, but I am adopting a new credo from now on.
LIFE IS SHORT
EAT YOUR DESSERT FIRST!!!
Enjoy life and be thankful for what you have. You never know when things may go haywire.
Until next time, take care. Marc
July 18, 2013
MARC'S MEMOS
7-18-13
I have been neglecting my blog once again. Lately, I tend to only write about my travels even though I started out writing about poetry and my book. Fast-forward four years now and the blog seems to be an afterthought as promotion and my interest in the iPOETRY! group has waned. I was very active at first, but it was very apparent that my style of poetry was not accepted within the group. It seemed to be considered non-intellectual. It was below the “standards” of the few members that made most of the comments in the threads that I posted to. I was under the impression that it was just a place to view poems, but there were always critics and people that wanted to help you “improve” what you wrote. Anyway, I have gotten over that and just continue to browse through the finalists’ poems once in a while. It is not like anything I write is outstanding, but I still scratch my head after reading some of the ones that are selected each month for voting.
Moving on, I just returned from California where I spent the 4th of July holiday. My son, daughter-in-law, wife and I shared a cabin in Big Bear on the lake. It was magnificent. We decided to go all in and split the cost of a place we would never stay at if we had to pay for the entire bill. Only paying for half made it more affordable and a little easier to justify. Even though it was expensive, it was well worth spending time together in such a beautiful setting. We were amazed by the view from three different decks that look directly out at the lake. On one deck there was a Jacuzzi and inside there was a pool table on the lower level. On the side of the cabin was a series of steps that lead down to a dock. Fishing wasn’t great, but it was still awesome to sit and take in all the scenery. Lots of people boating, water skiing and just enjoying the lake. It was probably a one-shot deal, but it was a great experience and one that I will always remember!
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
I have been neglecting my blog once again. Lately, I tend to only write about my travels even though I started out writing about poetry and my book. Fast-forward four years now and the blog seems to be an afterthought as promotion and my interest in the iPOETRY! group has waned. I was very active at first, but it was very apparent that my style of poetry was not accepted within the group. It seemed to be considered non-intellectual. It was below the “standards” of the few members that made most of the comments in the threads that I posted to. I was under the impression that it was just a place to view poems, but there were always critics and people that wanted to help you “improve” what you wrote. Anyway, I have gotten over that and just continue to browse through the finalists’ poems once in a while. It is not like anything I write is outstanding, but I still scratch my head after reading some of the ones that are selected each month for voting.
Moving on, I just returned from California where I spent the 4th of July holiday. My son, daughter-in-law, wife and I shared a cabin in Big Bear on the lake. It was magnificent. We decided to go all in and split the cost of a place we would never stay at if we had to pay for the entire bill. Only paying for half made it more affordable and a little easier to justify. Even though it was expensive, it was well worth spending time together in such a beautiful setting. We were amazed by the view from three different decks that look directly out at the lake. On one deck there was a Jacuzzi and inside there was a pool table on the lower level. On the side of the cabin was a series of steps that lead down to a dock. Fishing wasn’t great, but it was still awesome to sit and take in all the scenery. Lots of people boating, water skiing and just enjoying the lake. It was probably a one-shot deal, but it was a great experience and one that I will always remember!
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
May 15, 2013
MARC'S MEMOS
5-15-13
I just returned from a cruise called California Coastal from San Francisco to San Diego that included Catalina Island and Ensenada, Mexico. Even though I have been to those cities in the past, it was still nice to visit again.
In San Francisco, the ship docked and we went on an excursion to the Muir Redwoods. It is a small National Park, but is quite beautiful. It protects some of the largest trees in nature called sequoias. They are magnificent and so tall that when you look up you can hardly see the tops.
In addition to the beauty of the redwoods, we got to cross over the Golden Gate Bridge (twice.) It is truly an amazing sight to see and a marvel of human engineering. After crossing the bridge we stopped at the little town of Sausalito. It is on the northern side of the bay with a great view looking back at San Francisco and Alcatraz Island.
We hopped on the city shuttle in Santa Barbara. We made our way up and down State Street where all the shops and restaurants are. There is also an old courthouse and a beautiful mission you should see if you are ever there.
Catalina was a blast even though it is very small and the town is only about a mile wide. We rented a golf cart, as cars are limited on the island, and made a loop on a drive that took us high atop a scenic overlook down to the other side of the waterfront. There are lots of little shops to browse through and tours to go on, but we had done them before. So we just enjoyed the rest of our time sitting outside with a cup of coffee on a beautiful day by the water.
In San Diego, we went on a harbor cruise that was relaxing and very interesting. We saw the U.S.S. Midway that you can go on as it is now a museum. We saw lots of military vessels of all sizes and shapes that were being worked on in port. We also passed under the Coronado bridge and saw a lot of beautiful homes and hotels. It was a good way to spend a couple of hours on a sunny day from a great vantage point on the upper deck taking in the sights.
We decided to stay onboard in Ensenada as we had been there before with family members on another cruise. We decided to just relax in the hot tub. What a great way to end a vacation.
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
I just returned from a cruise called California Coastal from San Francisco to San Diego that included Catalina Island and Ensenada, Mexico. Even though I have been to those cities in the past, it was still nice to visit again.
In San Francisco, the ship docked and we went on an excursion to the Muir Redwoods. It is a small National Park, but is quite beautiful. It protects some of the largest trees in nature called sequoias. They are magnificent and so tall that when you look up you can hardly see the tops.
In addition to the beauty of the redwoods, we got to cross over the Golden Gate Bridge (twice.) It is truly an amazing sight to see and a marvel of human engineering. After crossing the bridge we stopped at the little town of Sausalito. It is on the northern side of the bay with a great view looking back at San Francisco and Alcatraz Island.
We hopped on the city shuttle in Santa Barbara. We made our way up and down State Street where all the shops and restaurants are. There is also an old courthouse and a beautiful mission you should see if you are ever there.
Catalina was a blast even though it is very small and the town is only about a mile wide. We rented a golf cart, as cars are limited on the island, and made a loop on a drive that took us high atop a scenic overlook down to the other side of the waterfront. There are lots of little shops to browse through and tours to go on, but we had done them before. So we just enjoyed the rest of our time sitting outside with a cup of coffee on a beautiful day by the water.
In San Diego, we went on a harbor cruise that was relaxing and very interesting. We saw the U.S.S. Midway that you can go on as it is now a museum. We saw lots of military vessels of all sizes and shapes that were being worked on in port. We also passed under the Coronado bridge and saw a lot of beautiful homes and hotels. It was a good way to spend a couple of hours on a sunny day from a great vantage point on the upper deck taking in the sights.
We decided to stay onboard in Ensenada as we had been there before with family members on another cruise. We decided to just relax in the hot tub. What a great way to end a vacation.
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
March 4, 2013
MARC'S MEMOS
3-4-13
I just returned from a trip to the “Strip”, Las Vegas that is. What an exciting destination. The thrill that grips you when you first arrive and the anticipation of adventure is palpable.
It was an interesting three days that went from exhilaration to resignation that you are not going home with the fortune you came here seeking. Even though I didn’t leave with a profit from gambling, I did have a great time and it was a nice departure from my daily routine.
I also just spent the afternoon with my grandson. He is just shy of his sixth birthday and is becoming a wonderful young person. We talk about everything and I ask him questions because I am interested in what he is doing and what he has been up to. Chronologically he is just a little boy, but his mannerisms and expressions of thought sometimes make him seem much older and I am amazed at some of his quips that seem to come out of nowhere.
An example of a recent exchange during one of our discussions had him stating, “My buns are married.”
I said, “Your buns are married?”
“Yeah, they stick together a lot” he says.
I know this may be funny only to his grandpa and just kid talk, but it made my day! I appreciate his company and love to be with him. His little sister is a doll and I love spending time with her too. I consider myself to be a very lucky man.
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
I just returned from a trip to the “Strip”, Las Vegas that is. What an exciting destination. The thrill that grips you when you first arrive and the anticipation of adventure is palpable.
It was an interesting three days that went from exhilaration to resignation that you are not going home with the fortune you came here seeking. Even though I didn’t leave with a profit from gambling, I did have a great time and it was a nice departure from my daily routine.
I also just spent the afternoon with my grandson. He is just shy of his sixth birthday and is becoming a wonderful young person. We talk about everything and I ask him questions because I am interested in what he is doing and what he has been up to. Chronologically he is just a little boy, but his mannerisms and expressions of thought sometimes make him seem much older and I am amazed at some of his quips that seem to come out of nowhere.
An example of a recent exchange during one of our discussions had him stating, “My buns are married.”
I said, “Your buns are married?”
“Yeah, they stick together a lot” he says.
I know this may be funny only to his grandpa and just kid talk, but it made my day! I appreciate his company and love to be with him. His little sister is a doll and I love spending time with her too. I consider myself to be a very lucky man.
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
December 17, 2012
MARC'S MEMOS
12-17-12
With Christmas just around the corner, we should be in good spirits and looking forward to spending quality time with our families. For most of us we will get the chance to do so. Unfortunately, there are far too many people that will never experience the holidays or life together again. It is sad when families lose loved ones, but the recent tragedy in Connecticut is unthinkable and hard to come to terms with. I can’t imagine the pain that those parents, siblings and relatives are going through. It is beyond comprehension and the healing process will take a very long time.
I have a grandson that attends school and is about the same age of the children that were victims. He just spent several hours at my house while his parents were out doing some shopping and I couldn’t stop staring at him. I sat next to him while he ate a snack and found myself studying his every move. I am still amazed at how lucky I am to have this little person in my life. I realize that most people feel this way about their own loved ones and that is why this tragedy is so horrific.
I hope that this is the last time that innocent lives are lost in such a senseless and barbaric act. Unfortunately, there are still individuals out there intent on causing harm to others and we have no way of knowing when or where it might come from next.
Perhaps we might take extra time to appreciate our families and make more of an effort to show how much we love them. I know that this holiday season will have extra meaning for me as I celebrate with my grandchildren.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Until next time, take care! Marc
With Christmas just around the corner, we should be in good spirits and looking forward to spending quality time with our families. For most of us we will get the chance to do so. Unfortunately, there are far too many people that will never experience the holidays or life together again. It is sad when families lose loved ones, but the recent tragedy in Connecticut is unthinkable and hard to come to terms with. I can’t imagine the pain that those parents, siblings and relatives are going through. It is beyond comprehension and the healing process will take a very long time.
I have a grandson that attends school and is about the same age of the children that were victims. He just spent several hours at my house while his parents were out doing some shopping and I couldn’t stop staring at him. I sat next to him while he ate a snack and found myself studying his every move. I am still amazed at how lucky I am to have this little person in my life. I realize that most people feel this way about their own loved ones and that is why this tragedy is so horrific.
I hope that this is the last time that innocent lives are lost in such a senseless and barbaric act. Unfortunately, there are still individuals out there intent on causing harm to others and we have no way of knowing when or where it might come from next.
Perhaps we might take extra time to appreciate our families and make more of an effort to show how much we love them. I know that this holiday season will have extra meaning for me as I celebrate with my grandchildren.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Until next time, take care! Marc
